I am taking you on a little London photo walk, starting off at the Tate Modern.
This intimidating behemoth of a building started off life as a power station before joining the Tate Family, rising out of its once dilapidated state into something truly glorious – a little like Battersea Power Station is doing today. It was designed by the same person by the way, who was also responsible for the very British and quite iconic Red Phone Box. If you look closely, the main tower looks a little familiar don’t you think?
Enjoying its Thames side perch at Bankside, it’s visited by thousands of visitors each day who wander through rooms that were once filled with giant oil tanks, boilers and turbines (these visitors may secretly be visiting for the building alone if they are industrial architect fanatics like me!) to appreciate all of the sometimes weird but usually wonderful art now on display…
This vast space has grown somewhat considerably recently with the addition of the Switch House, increasing the space by some 60%… You know what? Even if you claim not to like art, I still think you should come here for the architecture and the new viewing platform alone. The views of the skyline in this part of the city are just amazing, and as someone who hasn’t spent that much time in London over the past few years, it was almost frightening to see just how its changed in the years we have been away (can’t say I am a fan of all of the new buildings, but a lot of them are striking to say the least!)… I have to say that the lifts are stressful and small in the Switch though, and there seems to be a lot of waiting around for them, but the view when you get there is definitely worth it…
The Tate Modern’s main Turbine Hall tends to be the place that most families like to spend time in once the more serious art inspecting is out of the way. It usually has some installation that is fun in some way or another. This visit we enjoyed hanging around on the giant “One Two Three Swing” exhibition, which judging by the swings and chains piled up in one corner could be adjusted and moved about on the frames depending on who’s in charge of the gallery that week. Each two/three person swing is supposed to represent “combating social apathy through collective action” – but if you are only two, it just signified sitting squashed between your siblings screaming to go higher… And that’s the thing about art, whatever your interpretation, as long as it provokes some kind of reaction that’s the whole point?
The toddler also enjoyed spending time beneath the mammoth disco ball (Pendulum – by the same Danish Artists – Superflex – as the swing exhibition) and we let him run about extensively to expend a bit of energy before moving on to some more traditional art. We found another Little Dancer here by the way, this one you are very much allowed to photograph as it’s owned by the Tate Group!
It’s been so long since we visited this gallery, and like most of London it’s changed a lot… One thing that hasn’t changed though is that it’s an incredibly child friendly space, and there are little touches like family hosts on hand at weekends, family guide leaflets, and the Drawing Bar where artists (young and old) are encouraged to draw something on one of the many screens before it is projected onto the walls, all of which help to make art an enjoyable experience for kids… The facilities are great, there’s a choice of cafes/restaurants, and the shops have so many lovely books and toys in them that parents might easily find themselves leaving considerably poorer…
Afterwards we continued our walk along the South Bank, past The Globe and all of its Shakespearean history (it’s well worth watching a play here with older children by the way, just bear in mind it’s worth paying the extra for a seat to avoid any moaning!), this is where London begins to feel truly old…
Before too long we arrived at Borough Market, which when we first moved to South West London back in 1996 was probably on its last legs. Then, thanks to a change in attitude towards food generally perhaps, a new lease of life was breathed in and the rest as they say is history.
I love Borough Market, it always felt slightly busy on a weekend some 16/17 odd years ago, when we would come away from the melee clutching prized parcels of food to take back home.
Nowadays though (it’s open fully on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday fully, and a more limited market is available on a Monday/Tuesday) it is positively heaving and visited by an estimated 16 million people a year – and boy does it feel like it (undoubtedly helped with its popularity by films such as Bridget Jones and Harry Potter!). This hecticness is possibly more authentic though? Borough Market has existed for just over a thousand years in one form or another (in its most recent site since 1756) and was famed for causing problems due to overcrowding. At least we don’t have to worry about livestock wandering around and causing chaos nowadays I guess.
I can really recommend Kappacasein’s drool worthy toasted cheese sandwich made with cheddar, onions and leeks on delicious sourdough. The 13 year old can recommend the Bratwurst with Sauerkraut found on a Deutsch stall nearby, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but she said it was sehr sehr gut…
We all enjoyed our very tasty trip down memory lane, and vowed at some point to return (without the Small People) to do one of Celia Brooks food tours (the only tour licensed by Borough Market). Some of us might have worn ourselves out somewhat, and maybe eaten a little too much that morning…
As he was surrounded by artists busy sketching the market, I like to call this last photograph “Still Life”…
A day spent enjoying art, architecture and food! Throw in a visit to a historic pub like The Market Porter (Harry Potter fans might recognise it!! It’s open from 6am each day for the market traders!), then that’s pretty much a perfect day’s exploring for me!…
Very well portrayed the Tate modern, in my case I thoughts my niece will not stay longer here, went to see the Picasso exhibition, cool building and the river Thames raised its beauty to the next level. We all had a great time; due to short we were not able to explore it fully, will definitely revisit it. Wonderful photography by the way
Thanks so much Lisa! (:
I love this part of London so much and your photos are totally doing it justice. I really enjoyed seeing Borough Market in full swing. I went on a Sunday and the stalls were closed, so I will plan better next time I visit
Thanks Zena! (: x
We’ve made the South Bank our base for our last few stays in London. It’s so much easier to walk there – no stopping for traffic lights as you just walk along the river.
Love the Still Life!
So true, it almost feels peaceful doesn’t it? Well nearly… :D x
What a fantastic tour! Some of my favourite places in London! The views from the Tate viewing platform are awesome and you got a lovely sunny day for it! London’s skyline is really changing! So many new buildings going up – some good some not so. I haven’t been to Borough Market for ages but used to love visiting and buying some fresh food for dinner. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Thanks so much Elizabeth! (:
Great photos – I haven’t been to the Tate in a few years, but I’ve seen the swing exhibit popping up quite a bit lately. I love photo walks that capture different architecture of a city – like the yellow round building. I know that I’ll look for that (and others) on my next trip to London! LOL at the lobster phone – for whatever reason, I find that terribly amusing. #citytripping
I want a lobster telephone in my house!! My kids wouldn’t know how to use a dial phone anyway, which is definitely a good reason to get one! Thanks Sara! (:
I have to check out the view of London from the Tate Modern. I’ve visited this museum, but it was years ago
Thanks Tanja! It’s worth a view from! :)
Lovely tour Emma and gorgeous photos. It’s been a while since I spent any time in London – usually it’s a quick there and back. Definitely like to pay another visit to the Tate Modern. And Borough market. Easily tempted by a tasty food pic! xx
I do love a tasty food pic! :D Thanks T xx
What gorgeous photos! I love London, every time I visit I leave loving it a little more. I’ve never been to the Tate, I really need to next time we go!
Definitely! Thanks so much Laura! :) x
The Tate Modern is on my list of places to visit in London, I haven’t been there yet! I loved the Borough Market & seeing the history of Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre!
London has such a great and varied history doesn’t it? :)
Oh I haven’t been in the Tate for ages I really must fix that! Great photos you’ve inspired me.
Thanks Karen! (:
Oh now you’ve given me a plan for the Easter hols – a trip to Borough Market with the smalls, where they can choose something yummy to eat! You’re right about the Tate being a good place to visit even if you don’t like art, too. Great post – a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thanks so much Nell. Have one of those toasted sandwiches for me! :) x
Gorgeous photos there. Have been to London lots and love Tate Modern but I think we should consider taking the kids in the next few years. Seems like there’s lots for every age!
Thanks Sinead! :) x
Oooh the toasted cheese is drool worthy! I really like this area- particularly the market and the Globe. There is always something going on around South bank – making a it a great people watch area too!
Brilliant for people watching! Thanks Carrie! (:
Wish I had time to do this tomorrow. I’m staying just over the Waterloo bridge!
Oh enjoy. Hope you have time to do something else fun! :)
I love Tate, we have just visited Tate in Cornwall and it was fab! I have enjoyed your London photo walk, feel like I was right beside you (and I need a cheese toast now!)
Tate Cornwall is next on my list! Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it! (: x
What a lot you packed into a day. I’ve not been to the Tate for years and hadn’t really considered it being family-friendly. Good to know!
Thanks Claire! I think it definitely is family friendly! :) x
I used to live in London and never actually visited the Tate Modern – how awful is that? I love Borough Market though and always make sure to pay a visit when we’re down. Not just for the yummy food but to soak up the atmosphere too
Great isn’t it? Thanks so much! (:
It’s been such a long time since I last visited the Tate – it looks like it’s changed a lot. I’d love to take my girls (the eldest in particular) to the Globe too. There are so many fantastic things to see and do in London aren’t there?
It’s just so nice being back to take my kids to stuff like this, finally! :D Thanks Chloe!
Beautiful photos, lots to see and do! Sounds like a really great day xxx
Thanks Sarah! It was a great day! (: xxx
I love the Southbank it such an interesting place I adore the atmosphere, I have never been to Borough Market through I will have to visit next time I am in London x
Definitely definitely! Thanks Sarah! (: x
I love London for just walking and walking. And what a treat to have those gorgeous blue skies!
Thanks Jenny! Amazing how much ground you can cover exploring London isn’t it? :D x
I remember visiting the Globe and saying to my sister how we should also visit this place but she wasn’t convinced but now I wanna go back and see the Tate myself
Now you have to go back Anosa! Thanks so much! :)
I love this part of town, sounds like you had a great day out!
Thanks Jenny! (:
Such fantastic photos – what a lovely tour, thank you. I now want one of those cheese toasties! Kaz
Thanks so much Kaz! (:
I love the South Bank and when we lived in London, Borough Market was one of my favourite weekend haunts! We loved the pork and apple sauce sandwich place, I wonder if it’s still there? I’ve not been to the Tate Modern for years, and I’d not considered what a child friendly space it is. We’re planning on taking my little boy up to London sometime soon, so we might make a trip there.
Thanks Katy. It’s nice to see it thriving, but it’s sooo busy! Yes, the Tate Modern is well worth a visit with kids! (:
That toasted cheese sandwich looks incredible! Sounds like you had a great day exploring the food and architecture London has to offer
I can really recommend it… Mouth watering! :D
I love your London photos especially as we are gearing up for a visit in the near future. The Tate Modern is not to my taste – I prefer the National Gallery, but each to his own. Thanks for London. xxx
The National Gallery is just as special. I once took one of those audio guides out in there on a solo visit, and somehow lost 6 hours! :D
I think it’s just amazing how the city skyline in London has changed in the last few years, you capture it so well in these photos.
Thanks so much Micaela! (: